UK appoints trade commissioner for Africa

The UK Government has appointed Alastair Long as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Africa, with a mandate to deepen economic ties and expand commercial partnerships between Britain and the continent.

The UK Department for Business and Trade welcomed Long to the position, according to a statement issued on Monday by the British Deputy High Commission.

The mission said Long would work with African governments, investors, businesses and institutions to strengthen economic relations between the UK and African countries.

It added that his responsibilities would include expanding commercial partnerships, supporting UK and African businesses, attracting investment and helping to build sustainable, resilient and productive economies across the continent.

“Long returns to a region he knows well, having previously served as Deputy Trade Commissioner and then HMTC for Africa between 2019 and 2022.

“Before taking up his current position, he served as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain from August 2023,” the mission said.

Long said he was thrilled to resume his work in Africa.

He described Africa as the future, saying he had witnessed the continent’s “boundless energy and ambition” during his previous assignments.

“The UK is committed to being a partner that supports African and British growth by listening to African priorities and bringing the very best the UK has to offer.

“I look forward to engaging across the continent, with the UK business community, and with the UK Government team, to realise as many mutual opportunities as possible.”

Long succeeds John Humphrey, who had served as the UK Trade Commissioner for Africa since June 2022.

Humphrey said it had been a privilege to serve in the role and work with partners across the continent to strengthen UK-Africa relations.

He said the relationship was grounded in “delivery, trust and shared economic ambition”.

According to him, Africa remains central to the UK’s global outlook, with significant opportunities for commercially grounded collaboration and sustainable growth.

The British Deputy High Commission said Long inherited strong UK momentum in Africa and would bring extensive trade expertise to the role, as well as the focus and energy required to deepen partnerships and unlock further opportunities for mutual benefit.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the HMTC leads the UK’s overseas efforts to promote trade, investment, export opportunities and trade policy objectives.

The Commissioner works closely with the wider diplomatic network and other government officials to coordinate Britain’s overseas efforts to promote UK trade and prosperity.

The office also has responsibility for the Department for Business and Trade’s work in Africa, including growing the overall trade and investment relationship, improving market access for British companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and developing trade policy.

Long joined the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in 2002 and has held previous postings in the Middle East and North Africa.

He was educated at Clare College, Cambridge University, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.

NAN